How a parent influences their child is crucial because that is how the child will learn. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, it is about a white lawyer named Atticus Finch who tries his best to defend an African American named Tom Robinson. Atticus teaches his sons (Scout and Jem) how to overcome the challenges they faced during his time defending Tom in a racist community. Atticus Finch's influence on his daughter Scout is made evident by the importance he places on education, the admirable ways in which he practices law, and his effective interactions with the residents of Maycomb. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayScout is influenced by the importance Atticus places on his education. Scout wanted to leave school like Burris Ewell, but Atticus refused and made a compromise with her to stay in school. The book states: "If you admit the need to go to school, we will continue to read every night as we always have" demonstrates Atticus' commitment to Scout's education by doing everything to ensure that she does not stop school. Through his compromise, Atticus emphasizes to Scout that education should be her number one priority. This teaches the Scout to always put education first and never last. Scout was sad when Miss Caroline told her to stop reading at home with Atticus. For example: “Your father doesn't know how to teach. You can sit down now. I mumbled that I was sorry and retreated to ponder my crime. demonstrates Scout's sadness towards Miss Caroline after she tells her that Atticus can no longer teach her. Atticus teaching Scout made her love reading. Scout has made reading a daily hobby in her life and is sad if anyone tries to stop her from doing so. Atticus clarifies any information that Scout is confused about, so that she can better understand it. For example, “and we were always free to interrupt Atticus for a translation” demonstrates how Atticus did not care if Scout interrupted him, but did care if she knew the meaning of unfamiliar words. Atticus helps the Explorer gain more knowledge by teaching her information beyond her understanding. It also encourages the Scout to take an interest in learning new information. Additionally, Atticus influences Scout by making education a top priority in her life. Atticus influences Scout with the admirable ways in which he practices the law. Atticus was brave enough to take Tom Robinson's case even though his chances of winning were low. For example, “I'm just defending a nigger, his name is Tom Robinson” indicates how Atticus didn't care if Tom was African American, he would defend him as his client. Through Atticus taking Tom's case, Scout learns to treat people equally. Scout now knows that race doesn't matter, everyone should be treated equally. Atticus showed respect to the witnesses in Tom's trial even though they were against him. He respects Mayella by calling her madam during the trial: “So you did, so you did, madam. You will have to bear with me, Miss Mayella. (243) Atticus has a positive manner towards Mayella during the trial, he influences the Scouts to show respect towards everyone regardless of their opposition against you. Furthermore, the Scout is taught to appreciate everyone, not neglect them. Atticus realized that Mr. Cunningham had no money to pay him, so he allowed him to pay for legal assistance with crops and other assets. For example, “before Mr. Cunningham left, he said, Mr. Finch, I don't know.
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